Agra: An Indian Navy seaman has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on charges of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Adarsh Kumar (24) alias Lucky, a resident of Agra, has been accused of sharing sensitive information related to naval assets.
The arrest was made on March 10, a senior official said while speaking to NDTV. The arrest followed intelligence inputs indicating that an individual had established contact with a Pakistan-based ISI handler and was allegedly involved in espionage activities targeting India.
“The UP ATS received information suggesting that the suspect had been communicating with the ISI and passing on sensitive information. Acting on these inputs, the ATS initiated a detailed investigation and placed the suspect under electronic as well as physical surveillance,” he said.
Kumar is a native of Chitapur village under Kagarol police station in Agra district. Officials revealed that he was serving as a seaman (Lance Naik in Army) in the Navy and was posted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
The UP ATS said that the investigation confirmed that Adarsh had come in contact with a Pakistan-based ISI agent and allegedly maintained communication with the handler over a period of time. He allegedly shared photographs and information related to strategically sensitive naval warships.
The information shared by the accused could have had serious national security implications, as it allegedly involved images and details of naval assets considered strategically important, investigators said.
Kumar was produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Authorities are now continuing their investigation to determine the extent of information shared, the duration of his contact with the ISI handler, and whether any other individuals may be involved in the espionage network.
Communication records, financial transactions, and digital devices recovered from the accused are being examined by security and intelligence agencies.
